Atelaite Rokosuka, a dedicated civil servant, transformed her life after hitting a low point in her career. Following her recent graduation with a Master of Commerce in Management and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific, she reflected on her journey, attributing her success to divine guidance.
The graduation ceremony featured many women from varied backgrounds, but Mrs. Rokosuka’s story stood out, particularly her unwavering faith during challenging times. Balancing family responsibilities while pursuing her studies was a formidable challenge she faced since starting her master’s program in 2018.
She acknowledged that the demands of her government role made her academic journey even more difficult. Nevertheless, she credited her family’s support as a vital factor in her accomplishments. “Managing my studies while caring for my family was a real challenge,” she stated. “Finding moments to study was tough, but with determination and the encouragement from my loved ones, I was able to persevere.”
Despite experiencing significant setbacks, including a temporary layoff from her position as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Mrs. Rokosuka remained resolute in her faith and commitment to education. She regarded this difficult period as an opportunity to enhance her skills and complete her master’s degree.
At times, giving up seemed like an option, but her faith in Jesus Christ inspired her to keep pushing forward. “I realized that I still had much to achieve, both in my education and in sharing my knowledge with others,” she said, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Over her 27-year career in civil service, Mrs. Rokosuka not only excelled professionally but also found joy in raising six children with her husband’s support and enjoying time with her grandchildren. She is passionate about motivating other women to pursue their educational and professional goals, believing that doing so will foster a supportive community and dismantle barriers.